Determination of Optimal Modes for the Production of Micro Range Metal Powders

Abstract

This paper presents the results of working out the modes of obtaining micro range powders according to the developed method. It is based on the navigation on the material of the vortex plasma flows of heterogeneous plasma and synchronized high-frequency impact on the electrode. The formation of powders is derived from individual particles heated and accelerated using a high-temperature gas jet -plasma. It is obtained in a special original plasma generator by blowing the plasma-forming inert gas into an electric arc resulting between two electrodes. The possibility of obtaining powders of various sizes and chemical composition by this method on the developed technology has been established. The design of the executive equipment that implements the studied generation process of the micro-size range is best suited for steel wires. Experimental studies made it possible to determine the optimal modes for wires of various chemical composition (steel wire, with a diameter of 1.2 mm, OK Autrod 347Si with a diameter of 0.8 mm). Range of parameters and modes of actuating equipment: current of 70-80A; Plasma-forming gas pressure 0.7-0.8 atm., Wire feed rate 20-40 mm/s, the frequency of ultrasonic oscillations of 50 MHz and 100 MHz. In these conditions, powders are obtained with a dimension of 50-100 μm.

Anisotropic Tensile and Compressive Strengths of Al-4wt.%Cu Alloy Powder: Part 2—Effect of Dendritic Arm Spacings

“…It is also remarked that the majority of particles exhibit a flaked-like morphology with a length of about 2× higher than the corresponding widths. It is also interestingly verified that the bimodal distributions are characterized, as also reported in other studies with Al powders obtained in similar operational conditions [25][26][27][28].…”

“…Kuznetsov et al [28] have recently reported that distinct technologies for the production of metal powders are developed, e.g., gas, water spraying, centrifugal spraying, plasma spraying, mechanical grinding and doping, solid phase recovery, electrolytic and various chemical processes. From these, distinctive morphologies, shapes and sizes are attained.…”